Silverstone have unveiled a new £27m pit and paddock complex to guarantee their place as one of the best circuits in the world.
Race track officially opens world-class complex
Silverstone have unveiled a new £27m pit and paddock complex to guarantee their place as one of the best circuits in the world.
The race track began its transformation last year, in the wake of earning a contract to host the British Grand Prix in December 2009.
And now the venue - which Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone previously described as 'a world event masquerading as a country fair' - can claim to be world-class.
Its 'Wing' facility not only includes new pits and paddock but media and conference suites, three large halls and an auditorium, which was showcased to a host of motor sport greats and His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.
British Racing Drivers' Club president and 22-times grand prix winner Damon Hill said: "It's very important for everyone we've managed to do this.
"We've had people putting up palaces around the world, so it's fantastic we've got this facility now, and it's kept Britain at the forefront of motor sport around the world."
HRH the Duke of Kent officially unveiled the plaque to declare the wing open and said: "This is a tremendous day for Silverstone.
"I am very confident the Silverstone Wing will not just become the recognisable face of Silverstone, but the centre and pivotal point of world motor sport."
Forefront
And with the venue now hosting the British rounds of MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship, not only Formula One, the new overhaul comes at the perfect time.
The circuit has long been regarded as one of the best in the world and now the new complex will ensure the venue is placed at the forefront of the racing world while securing the future of the F1 grand prix.
1964 Formula One world champion John Surtees said: "Silverstone had a spell of being in the wilderness in terms of biking, but with these facilities it now has world attention."
Thirteen-times bike GP winner Randy Mamola, two of whose wins came at Silverestone, added: "We now have a beautiful home because of the BRDC, and thank God for that."
